Baron Corbin interrupted The Miz and Daniel Bryan on SmackDown (Image credit: WWE)
WWE SmackDown results, winners, grades and reaction: This was the holiday edition of SmackDown and there were some interesting developments during the show.
Daniel Bryan made a return to the ring and claimed that he was back to his old best, without the crazy amounts of hair.
The Miz also came out and both wanted to face Bray Wyatt (The Fiend?). However, King Corbin believed he was the No.1 contender after beating Roman Reigns at TLC.
Dolph Ziggler then attacked Miz and Bryan from behind before a tag match was made for later in the evening.
Grade B
Miz and Bryan have looked good in the past too but Corbin is playing the role of a heel perfectly.
His jibe at both his rivals being failed fathers was certainly something that would rile up anyone.
Heavy Machinery were up against the Revival in the traditional gimmick match. Otis from Machinery got a kiss and a ham from Mandy Rose but the Revival dealt with him early on.
However, they made a big mistake by tossing the ham out of the ring. Otis snapped as he and Tucker picked up the win in the end.
Legos, fire extinguishers and several other tools were used in the clash. Otis and Rose celebrated a bit after the match while Elias made fun of the Revival.
Heavy Machinery beat The Revival
Grade B
Christmas matches are supposed to be fun and credit must be given to the four guys into making this a great one.
Rose’s appearance and hug to Otis was a great touch too, and sometimes, you don’t need a story to enjoy a match.
Carmella hasn’t been seen much in the ring and got a quick win over Sonya Deville. The Princess hit a flatliner before hitting the Code of Silence as Deville tapped out.
Carmella beats Deville
Grade D
It was difficult to understand why Deville was squashed so easily. Both women have the quality to make a bout last long, but this quick match didn’t cut it for me.
The New Day faced off against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in an entertaining clash.
The SmackDown tag champions started off well before their rivals took over and dominated. However, Kofi Kingston somehow picked up a win thanks to a pinfall.
Sami Zayn and his team then attacked the New Day before Braun Strowman came in to make the save.
The Monster Among Men was about to plant Nakamura with a Running Powerslam, but Zayn saved his client, for now.
The New Day beat Cesaro and Nakamura
Grade B
The New Day looked great in the win but it was surprising why the match ended as it did. Maybe it was done to show that Strowman was ready to face Nakamura for the IC title.
Nevertheless, that match might be a little odd but The Monster needs some gold around his waist.
Dana Brooke challenged SmackDown Women’s champion Bayley to a rematch and that was up next.
Brooke looked great and almost got the win but Bayley did enough to pick up the W.
Bayley and Sasha Banks then decided to taunt Brooke before Lacey Evans came out to fight Banks.
That match started off but it went all haywire in the end. Banks decided to taunt Evans’ daughter, who was in the crowd, and the Southern Belle unloaded on The Boss.
This clash ended in a double countout as officials, Brooke and Bayley had to separate Evans and Banks.
Bayley beats Brooke
Banks vs Evans ends in double countout
Grade B
The rivalry is finally getting heated up after a couple of weeks of simmering tension. It was great seeing Evans lose her cool after her family was targetted, however, it is surprising why she is more fixated with fighting Banks rather than Bayley.
The Miz and Bryan were paired as a team to face Corbin and Ziggler. There was some early tension between Miz and Bryan and the heels took advantage of it.
However, the newly formed team were able to wrestle control and caught Ziggler in a figure four leg-lock.
Corbin tried to make the save but Bryan hit him with the running knee as Ziggler tapped out..
Miz and Bryan beat Ziggler and Corbin
Grade B
The match could have been better but the important aspect if what happened after it. It was announced that there would be a triple threat match next week to decide who faces The Fiend at Royal Rumble 2020.
The Miz vs King Corbin vs Daniel Bryan should be an excellent clash for next week’s episode.
Follow our dedicated WWE page for instant WWE news and updates